Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended the MacArthur Foundation for its significant role in advancing Nigeria’s development and democracy over the past 30 years. Speaking at an event marking the Foundation’s 30th anniversary in Abuja on Wednesday, the Vice President called for a strengthened partnership between the Foundation and the federal government to expedite the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s programs and policies.
Represented by Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, VP Shettima highlighted the importance of collaboration in governance, stating, “No government can, or should, function in isolation. The success of every democracy lies in accepting and nurturing partnerships.”
He lauded the MacArthur Foundation’s long-standing contributions to promoting accountability and good governance in Nigeria. According to Shettima, the Foundation has “demonstrated the importance of collaboration, the value of partnership, and the cost of conflict in service delivery” over its three decades of work in the country.
Extending a call for deeper cooperation, the Vice President invited the Foundation and its beneficiaries to collaborate closely with the government to accelerate progress. “In areas where our interests align, let us demonstrate that we are united in our purpose—to serve the people of Nigeria,” he said.
Shettima also acknowledged the far-reaching impact of the Foundation’s grants and initiatives, emphasizing that the beneficiaries are everyday Nigerians who have been empowered to promote democratic values and drive positive change in their communities. “The voices you have empowered and the platforms you have uplifted have become catalysts for the formation of a Nigeria that works,” he remarked.
The Vice President further praised the MacArthur Foundation for its dedication to uplifting vulnerable populations and advancing human capital development, noting that its efforts have contributed significantly to shaping a more just and equitable society in Nigeria.
In his concluding remarks, Shettima underscored the Foundation’s legacy of commitment, courage, and lasting impact, stating, “Your journey reflects determination, an unyielding pursuit of a better society, and a conscious choice of the path less traveled—one guided by compassion, hope, and the predictable outcome of lasting impact.”
